The desire to see the glaciers in Alaska is one of the reasons why people take their Alaska family vacations. In Alaska, there are many ways to see the glaciers up-close. All you have to do is choose one that will fit your interest and travel budget.
Numerous day cruises set off everyday to cater to families vacationing in Alaska. These cruises include sailing past the glaciers in very close proximity. All Alaska Tours is a great company that can take you through the Glacier Bay. Some take you past the Hubbard Glacier. Be sure to charge your digital cameras because you would not want to leave the cruise without taking pictures. Making your way past the glaciers, you will see many of the glaciers calving, which is a process of breaking at an edge so that a portion of the glacier separates. Although calving is a normal process for glaciers, it has been alarmingly accelerated due to the drastic climate change the whole world is experiencing right now. A naturalist is usually on board the cruise to guide you through the things you will encounter, and will educate on the issue of global warming and the impact on the glaciers.
Flight seeing is another way to see glaciers. Being on board a small plane or a helicopter would most likely be the highlight of your Alaska family vacation, especially for the kids. These flight seeing tours usually fly you over the glaciers allowing you to have the best bird's-eye view. The craft then lands on the glacier itself. Thanks to the special anti-slip boots, you get to set foot on a glacier! Picture taking is most definitely allowed, so click your cameras to your heart's content.
Notes: Flight seeing is a very popular activity in Alaska and thousands of people visiting the state choose to do this for the very same reason you would. Be sure to book your family for this activity well ahead. Bear in mind that flight seeing tours are canceled on bad weather conditions upon the discretion of the tour operators.
Glacier expeditions are also possible via kayak, canoe or a catamaran. The kayak or canoe ride from Juneau will get you within a mile to the Mendenhall Glacier. If you are traveling big, 10-person canoes are available for your family. Coming from Anchorage, you can take a train ride to Spencer Lake and have a canoe adventure to Spencer Glacier where you are allowed to walk on it. Or if you want a faster ride, travel 90 miles from Anchorage to Whittier and rent out a high-speed catamaran. This ride will take you to the glaciers in Prince William Sound.
Another glacier encounter option that is easy on the pockets is hiking. Aside from it being a good recreational activity and opportunity to exercise during your vacation in Alaska with your family, hiking can also provide you the opportunity to see some glaciers. From Downtown Juneau, you can drive 12 miles to Mendenhall Glacier. Aside from Mendnhall, you may also hike to Portage Glacier just south of Anchorage. Two hours from Anchorage is the Glenn Highway where Matanuksa Glacier is just around the corner. In Seward, head to the Kenai Fjords National Park to hike to Exit Glacier.
While you are at Seward, warm up with a hot cocoa and treat the children some more to the the major attractions in the city - the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Mitch Seavey's Dog Kennel Tour. The Alaska SeaLife Center houses nautical animals your kids will sure love to see and interact with. The Dog Kennel Tour allows you to experience a two-mile dog sled ride to give you an idea of what the very famous Iditarod Trail Sled Dog feels like. In this tour, you will also get to meet the very huskies that compete in the race and cuddle their adorable puppies.
Whatever your choice of glacier expedition is, your family will sure have a blast. The unmatched glacier experience will make this Alaska family vacation something your family will always remember.
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